Dontriell Hood Faces Charges After Being Shot by Indianapolis Police

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The man who was shot and wounded by police on the east side of Indianapolis last Friday is now facing felony charges, according to a statement released by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday. Dontriell Hood, a 31-year-old resident of the city, has been charged with criminal recklessness, unlawfully carrying a handgun, and resisting law enforcement in relation to the police shooting incident that occurred on the city’s east side.

The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Officer Connor Finch, an 8-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). Following the incident, Officer Finch has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

The incident took place around 11 a.m. on Friday when IMPD officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 3900 block of Caroline Avenue, near the intersection of 38th Street and Keystone Avenue. The location is just a few blocks east of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hood, who was allegedly acting erratically and firing a gun from inside a residence on Caroline Avenue. The gunfire struck two cars and a neighboring home across the street.

Upon encountering Hood, officers took cover behind their patrol cars and attempted to de-escalate the situation. They repeatedly instructed Hood to place his weapon on the ground and lie down. However, Hood disregarded their commands and continued to move in the direction of the firearm, prompting the officers to take action to protect themselves.

IMPD Deputy Chief Michael Wolley stated, “After Hood was on the ground, officers requested he stand up and walk toward them while remaining behind their patrol cars. As officers continued to give verbal commands, Hood stopped, turned away from the officers, and began rapidly moving in the direction where the firearm was located.”

Concerned for their safety, the officers shouted at Hood to turn around, but he continued to approach the weapon. At this point, Officer Finch discharged his department-issued firearm, striking Hood and incapacitating him.

An update from IMPD on Monday revealed that investigators had reviewed footage from a security camera inside Hood’s residence. The video showed that after falling to the ground, Hood crawled towards his firearm and picked it up before Officer Finch fired his weapon.

Following the shooting, officers immediately provided medical assistance to Hood until emergency medical services arrived and transported him to a nearby hospital. The suspect’s family informed investigators that he had a history of mental health issues.

As of Friday, Hood was reported to be in serious condition at the hospital. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident.

Hood is scheduled to appear at an initial hearing on Thursday at 10 a.m.

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